All voters will have to show proper I.D.

Thursday, October 17, 2002

JAN SISK

OREGON COUNTY -- Oregon County voters who go to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballot are reminded that as of Oct. 25 all voters in the state will be required to show some type of identification to election judges before they are allowed to vote.

According to Oregon County Clerk Gary Hensley this is due to the recent passage of Senate Bill (SB) 675. "The best form of identification an individual can have at the polls is a voter I.D. card," Hensley said. He added that if two supervisory judges at the polls can identify the individual in question, one from each major political party, the individual will be allowed to fill out a voter identification affidavit, and once approved by the county clerk be allowed to vote. Hensley again stressed it is very important for county residents to make sure they have their voter registration cards with them when they go to vote Nov. 5. He said his office will give out voter identification cards for those who have lost or misplaced theirs.

Absentee ballots are now available for those who will not be able to vote Nov. 5. Hensley said a ballot may be received in his office during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Absentees may be requested by mail or by fax (417-778-7488), but they must be returned to his office by mail or by the person requesting the absentee ballot by Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. He said the last day an absentee ballot can be mailed from his office will be Oct. 30. For more information regarding voter I.D. cards or absentee voting call Hensley at 417-778-7475.